An individual who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
